By BRIAN HATYOKA
ZAMBIA and China must work together to improve infrastructure and other facilities in the tourism sector to attract more tourists from that country, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yauming has said.
Mr Yauming said there was need for the two countries, which have a long history of relationship, to work together to improve infrastructure and other facilities so that more tourists from China could visit Zambia.
He was speaking in Livingstone at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport yesterday upon his arrival alongside China’s Vice-Minister of Culture Ding Wei, among other delegates.
The delegates were expected to attend the Chinese cultural and arts performances at Chrismar Hotel in Livingstone later in the evening.
“Zambia has great potential for tourism. Develop that potential and let’s work together to improve infrastructure and other facilities to attract more tourists from China. More than 120 million Chinese tourists travel annually across the globe and some can be attracted to come to Zambia,” Mr Yauming said.
“If you haven’t visited Livingstone, you haven’t visited Zambia and this is the reason why we have brought our festival here in Livingstone.
“China and Zambia have a very good relationship for more than half a century and the relationship is vital for the two countries. Today we will showcase Chinese culture as we celebrate together and we need more understanding of the local people,” he said.
Mr Ding welcomed Zambian artistes and the media to visit China so that they could learn more about the Chinese culture.
Livingstone District Commissioner Omar Munsanje said culture was one of the social issues which brought people together.
Mr Munsanje said Zambia and China shared a longstanding relationship and, therefore, needed to ensure that the relationship continued to grow.
“We want to learn your culture and it is our hope that you will also learn our culture. We want you to see and explore what we have in Livingstone so that more Chinese tourists will come to Livingstone and Zambia in particular.
“During your stay, we hope you will learn more about our vast tourist attractions in Livingstone so that you share the knowledge with the people of China,” Mr Munsanje said.